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Chinese Couple Indicted for Massive Phishing Scheme in Kobe Hotel

Chinese Couple Indicted for Massive Phishing Scheme in Kobe Hotel

First seen 18 Oct 2026, 18:37 UTC • •
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ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster •October 18, 2026 at 20:08 UTC
  • •A Chinese couple was indicted for sending 480,000 phishing emails from a hotel in Kobe.
  • •They concealed a laptop in their hotel room to exploit the hotel's Wi-Fi network.
  • •Authorities suspect involvement in a larger organized cybercrime syndicate.

A Chinese couple, Ye Jiafeng and Shen Qi, were indicted for hiding a laptop in a Kobe hotel to send hundreds of thousands of phishing emails. They allegedly used the hotel's Wi-Fi to send at least 480,000 scam messages impersonating credit card companies. The couple checked into the hotel in August 2025, concealing the laptop in their room before leaving it powered on for remote access by an accomplice. The scheme was uncovered after hotel staff noticed irregularities and contacted local police. The couple faces charges including fraudulent obstruction of business and trespassing. Authorities suspect they are part of a larger cybercrime syndicate exploiting public Wi-Fi networks. Police have seized 74 smartphones from their possession and are investigating further. Cybersecurity experts warn that such phishing schemes are becoming increasingly common and difficult to detect.

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Timeline

2025-08-01
Couple checked into Kobe hotel
Ye Jiafeng and Shen Qi checked into a hotel in Kobe and hid a laptop in their room to send phishing emails.
TokyoReporter
2026-10-16
Couple arrested
Japanese police arrested the couple for using the hotel's Wi-Fi to send phishing emails.
TheStandard.Hk
2026-10-18
Couple indicted
The couple was indicted on charges including fraudulent obstruction of business and trespassing.
TokyoReporter

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Common questions

What phishing methods were used?
The couple sent emails impersonating credit card companies, directing victims to fake websites to steal their information.
What charges are the couple facing?
They are indicted on charges including fraudulent obstruction of business and trespassing.
How can hotels protect against similar attacks?
Hotels should monitor their Wi-Fi networks for unusual activity and restrict access during off-hours.